Jobs and work

Your CV shows off your skills, experience and education. It’s often the first thing an employer will see, and it’s important to make a good first impression.

Some things to remember about your CV:

• Make it easy to read
  It should only be 1-2 pages long, keep the formatting clear and simple.
• Include your contact details
  Make sure your full name, email address and phone number are easy to find.
• Write about your skills
  Include any skills and experience you’ve got, this could be from other jobs, school, volunteering or clubs. It can help to include any software you know how to use as well.
• Keep things brief
  Don’t go into lots of detail, just include a summary of what you’ve done.
• Give your qualifications
  If you’ve got predicted grades, you could include those as well. Remember to give the dates you achieved anything.

Even if you’re filling out an application form instead of sharing a CV, having one that’s up to date can give you an easy reference of all your skills.

For more tips, check out BBC’s advice on creating a CV and covering letter.

Job hunting can take time, but it’s important to keep trying.

Check websites of places or stores you might like to apply to, and ask an adult you trust whether they know anyone who’s looking to hire someone. Even if you’re struggling at first, it can help to remember that some places will hire more staff in the months before Christmas.

It’s important to think about what you can do, whether the hours would suit other responsibilities and what you’d need to be able to go to and from work. Depending on your age, you might want to try looking for jobs doing:

• shop work
• garden work
• odd jobs (washing cars, doing household chores for money)
• babysitting (the NSPCC recommends you should be over 16)
• dog walking.

An interview is a chance for your potential employer to meet you and make a decide whether to offer you a job. This could be in person, or over video chat.

It’s natural to be worried or anxious about an interview, but there are lots of things you can do to prepare:

• Dress smartly
  Even if it’s over the phone, dressing smartly can help you to feel more confident. If you’re having a video interview, try to make sure there’s nothing distracting in the background.
• Make sure you know when and where it is
  If it’s in person, plan how you’ll get there and make sure you leave in plenty of time. For online and phone interviews, make sure you’re somewhere quiet that you won’t be disturbed.
• Practice
  Have a friend or adult you trust ask questions that might come up so you can practice your answers.
• Take your time
  Don’t rush to answer anything, take your time and say if you’re just taking a moment to think.